How Colgan Helps Out During Holiday Season  

By: Kingston Mills 

February 5, 2025

The holidays mark a time for celebration, thankfulness and spreading happiness. However, not everyone has the pleasure of enjoying time with family and friends or spending loads of money on the newest fashion and tech. At Colgan, students and staff take many measures to help include people without these opportunities.   

   School psychologist LaToya Holmes organized an ‘angel tree’ to help families in need. Students were invited to gift items that were distributed to families prior to winter break. Both students and administrators donated wish list items to a selected 24 students. In addition to the gifts, $600 in gift cards were received.   

   “I’ve done holiday coordination for the past eight years,” said Ms. Holmes. “The Angel Tree is new; I started it last year to find a way to help students who may not have a holiday.”  

Ms. Holmes said she feels her purpose is to help others. 

   In addition, many clubs had meetings throughout December to discuss donating and celebrate the holidays. The National Honor Society (NHS) spread joy to residents of a nearby nursing home by creating holiday cards with handwritten messages and colorful decorations. The cards were distributed in time for the holidays.   

The Black Student Union and Latino Student Union had celebrations with food and drink.  

Ms. Holmes said Colgan giving back to the community is very important.  

   “I think a lot of times we are lucky in our circumstances and may have family around,” said Ms. Holmes. “Everyone wants to receive and invest.  It makes students feel welcome and encouraged by the school community.”    

   This time of the year for many is regarded as the happiest. But for some, it can be difficult to maintain spirit during the Winter. This community outreach helped the families and surrounding community of Colgan.